WIREDGOV

Dinosaurs, booming bitterns and other wetland birds are at the heart of the decision made by Natural England yesterday to designate Ely Pits and Meadows in Cambridgeshire as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, making it the first SSSI to be notified and then designated by Natural England since the government’s wildlife advisor was formed in October 2006.

Natural England’s Chief Executive, Dr Helen Philips, said: “Today’s decision reflects the exceptional quality of the natural environment of the area – we are delighted that it will now be given extra recognition and protection as a result of the area being designated a site of national conservation importance”.

Ely Pits and Meadows SSSI is a nationally important site for bitterns in both the breeding and winter seasons and now becomes one of only eight sites in England to be designated as a SSSI on account of their bittern population. As an inland site, it has particular importance as many nationally important bittern sites elsewhere are in coastal locations increasingly impacted by sea level rise. The site is also important for other wetland and reedbed breeding birds, including marsh harriers and bearded tits.

The designation marks an extension of the area of ‘Kimmeridge Clay’ deposits in the area that now have SSSI status. These deposits have yielded a number of exciting fossil finds, including turtles, crocodiles, plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs and sauropod dinosaurs. The newly extended area incorporating Ely Pits and Meadows is one of only five SSSIs to represent the fossil reptiles of the Kimmeridge Clay.

Covering over 1 million hectares of land, there are now more than 4,000 SSSIs in England. Together they form a vital network for wildlife and geological conservation and contain an enormous range of habitats and species, many of which are endangered and listed under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). SSSIs are key indicators of national progress in securing a healthy natural environment and have an important role to play in flood alleviation, carbon storage and maintaining air and water quality.

Natural England’s East of England Director, Shaun Thomas, said: “The designation of Ely Pits and Meadows SSSI ensures that the nationally important wildlife and geology of the area will be fully recognised and taken into account in the future management and uses of the site.

“In particular, Natural England recognises the important roles of the owners and managers of the land and will work with them and other public bodies to develop means to secure the sustainable management of the area.”

Owner occupiers and other interested parties will be formally notified of the decision shortly.

Notes to editors:

For more information, interviews and photographs please contact Linzee Kottman 01223 533421/07824475359, or the national Natural England Press Office on 0845 603 9953, press@naturalengland.org.uk, out of hours 07970 098005.

For further information about Natural England and the SSSI designation process please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk

Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

SSSIs are the country's very best wildlife and geographical sites. They include some of the most spectacular and beautiful habitats; wetlands teeming with wading birds, winding chalk rivers, flower-rich meadows, windswept shingle beaches and remote upland peat bogs.

There are over 4,000 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) in England, covering around 7% of the country's land area. More than 70% of these sites, (by area) are internationally important for their wildlife, and designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs) or Ramsar sites. Many SSSIs are also National Nature Reserves (NNRs) or Local Nature Reserves (LNRs).

Visit the Natural England website for more information on SSSIs.